Music as Rhetoric in Jewish and Christian Practice

This course will examine the ways in which music has functioned as rhetoric "the art of persuasive communication" (Vickers 1988) within the liturgical and pastoral context of Jewish and Christian practice. In relation to various concepts and precepts of rhetoric, the course will address issues of pedagogy, prayer, psalmody, styles of worship, and musico-liturgical performance. Topics included are the Christian humanist notations of Hebrew Pentateuch chant, prayerful singing as a spiritual sacrifice, music and persecution, and the Psalms as rhetorical music. With a particular focus on the three ends of rhetoric, viz. 'to teach' (docere), 'to move' (movere), and 'to delight' (delectare), we shall explore the musical experience and phenomenon that are pertinent to both Judaism and Christianity as rooted in the tradition of prophetic religions. Teaching Method: lectures, discussions, readings, music listening. Assessment: review; presentation; major paper